“It is a well-deserved recognition. Mark and his team work very hard to keep our community safe,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “This is why Harris County is a national model for preparedness and response.”

The “Lou Harrell” Emergency Manager of the Year Award honors an EMAT member who is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive emergency management program that epitomizes the best in Texas emergency management. Sloan was selected for his leadership during the many challenges that Harris County faced in 2017, including Super Bowl 51, Hurricane Harvey, and the World Series.

“I am humbled to be honored by my peers,” said Mark Sloan. “It is a great privilege to serve the residents of Harris County.” Sloan has served as Harris County EMC for the last 10 years and is also head of the Harris County Citizen Corps program. His leadership through Hurricanes Katrina, Ike and Harvey have earned him local, state and national recognition.

“It was a unanimous decision to recognize Mark for his commitment and leadership,” said EMAT President Kevin Starbuck. “We applaud his continuous labor to strengthen emergency plans and build relationships to ensure Harris County residents are prepared for the next disaster.”

EMAT is dedicated to the advancement of the field of emergency management both statewide and nationally. It engages in an array of efforts to advance a statewide emergency management agenda and to promote the professional growth of the emergency management practitioner.